How to Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices

WhatsApp’s linked-device feature lets you use the same account on a phone, computer, tablet, or supported web browser without keeping your phone connected to the internet. You link each additional device from your primary phone by scanning a QR code; your chats then sync across devices, subject to WhatsApp’s feature and account limits.

What You’ll Need

Your WhatsApp account set up on your primary phone, with the app available to approve new links.
The computer, tablet, or other supported device you want to link. Use the official WhatsApp Desktop app or visit web.whatsapp.com in a browser.
An internet connection on both devices while you set up the link. The linked device can work independently afterward, but it needs internet to send and receive messages.
Your phone’s passcode, fingerprint, or other screen lock if WhatsApp asks you to authenticate.

Step-by-Step

Open WhatsApp on the device you want to link. On a computer, open the WhatsApp Desktop app or go to web.whatsapp.com. On a supported tablet or companion phone, install or open WhatsApp and choose the option to link the device to an existing account if prompted. The exact prompts can vary by device and app version.
Display the linking QR code. The computer or browser will usually show a QR code on its welcome screen. If you are linking a phone or tablet, look for an option such as Link to existing account rather than entering your phone number to register a new account. Follow the on-screen instructions until a QR code appears.
Open the linked-devices menu on your primary phone. On Android, open WhatsApp, tap the three-dot menu, then tap Linked devices. On iPhone, open WhatsApp, tap Settings, then Linked Devices. Menu wording or placement may differ slightly in some versions.
Start linking a device. Tap Link a device. If asked, unlock your phone using its normal authentication method. Allow camera access if WhatsApp requests it; the camera is needed to scan the code.
Scan the QR code. Point your phone’s camera at the code on the other screen. Keep the code inside the scan frame and wait for confirmation. If the code expires before scanning, refresh it on the device you are adding and try again.
Wait for chats to load. Once the link succeeds, WhatsApp will synchronize messages and other available account data. The first sync may take a little while, particularly with a large chat history or a slow connection. Leave both devices online until the initial loading finishes.
Repeat for each additional device. Start a new linking session on another computer or supported device and scan its QR code from the primary phone. WhatsApp sets a limit on linked devices; check the number shown in Linked Devices if you cannot add another. Do not assume an old browser session has signed out automatically.
Check your linked devices when finished. On the phone, open Linked Devices to see active sessions and their last activity. Tap a device you no longer use and choose Log Out. If you do not recognize a session, log it out and secure your phone and account.

Common Mistakes

Scanning from the wrong screen: Scan the QR code with the phone that already has your WhatsApp account—not with the device you are trying to add.
Registering a second account instead of linking: On a companion phone or tablet, choose the link-to-existing-account option when available. Entering your number and completing registration may move your account to that device instead of linking it.
Using a screenshot or expired code: The code should be visible on the device being linked and may change or expire. Refresh it and scan the current code directly.
Expecting every feature to work identically: Some features may be unavailable or behave differently on linked devices. Check the app’s current prompts if a particular feature is missing.
Leaving a shared computer linked: A linked session can expose your messages to anyone who can access that device. Log out when you finish using a public or shared computer.

Tips

Give linked computers recognizable names if WhatsApp offers that option, so you can identify sessions in the device list.
Keep WhatsApp updated on your primary phone and use the official app or website on the other device. This helps avoid outdated screens and look-alike login pages.
Use a screen lock on your phone and a separate login on shared computers. Linking does not make an unlocked device private.
Review Linked Devices occasionally, especially after using a work, school, hotel, or library computer.
Your primary phone does not need to remain online for linked devices to keep working, but you may need to use the primary phone again to relink a session or manage devices. WhatsApp may log out linked devices after a prolonged period of inactivity; check the current in-app guidance.

Troubleshooting

The QR code will not scan: Clean the phone camera lens, increase screen brightness, and hold the phone steady at a comfortable distance. Make sure the QR code is fully visible and not covered by a pop-up. Refresh the code if it has been open for a while, then try again.

There is no Linked Devices option: Confirm you are using the phone with the account you want to link, then update WhatsApp from your device’s official app store and reopen it. Check the app’s menu and settings; the location differs between Android and iPhone.

The link fails or keeps loading: Check that both devices have working internet access. Temporarily switch networks if one connection is unstable, close and reopen WhatsApp or the browser, and attempt the link again. Restarting the devices can also clear a temporary connection problem.

Chats do not appear or are incomplete: Keep the linked device online and give the first sync time to finish. Update WhatsApp, reload WhatsApp Web, or restart the desktop app. If a particular conversation or feature still appears different, it may not be fully available on that linked device.

You have reached the device limit: On the primary phone, open Linked Devices and log out of a session you no longer need, then try linking again. If the list contains a session you do not recognize, remove it rather than freeing space by ignoring it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. Link supported computers, browsers, and companion devices to the same account. WhatsApp limits how many devices can be linked at once; the device list on your phone shows your sessions.

Does my primary phone need to stay connected?
No. After linking, a compatible linked device can send and receive messages while the primary phone is offline. The phone is still used to manage linked sessions and may be needed to set them up again.

Can I link another phone?
WhatsApp supports companion-device linking on supported phones. Choose the option to link to an existing account on the additional phone; do not register your number as a new primary account if you want to keep using the same account on both.

Will my chats sync to every linked device?
WhatsApp makes available message history and account data available to linked devices, but the initial sync takes time and some data or features may not be available everywhere. Keep the device connected while it loads.

How do I remove a linked device?
Open WhatsApp on your primary phone, go to Linked Devices, select the session, and tap Log Out. You can also log out from WhatsApp on the device itself when that option is available.

Is it safe to link WhatsApp on a public computer?
It is safer to avoid linking on a public computer. If you do, log out as soon as you finish and verify the session is gone from your phone’s linked-device list. Never leave a public device signed in.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →